I'm just north of you on the Pinellas beaches. I imagine Anna Maria Island will be good, especially if you water hunt. Go the first time in the middle of the day to see where the big crowds are or go to google earth and look for big parking lots. Then go back the next time early morning first light before the crowd shows up and work where the towel line would be. Check out youtubers Detect Florida and Florida Mike, that's their stompin' grounds from there down to Sarasota.
A quick look shows Manatee Beach Park at the end of Manatee Ave. (64) looks busy and crowded, but there is probably competition there.
